Flames rise in Çeşme, İzmir
Following the fires in Menderes and Seferihisar, İzmir, the district of Çeşme is now battling flames. Due to the forest fire, which has grown under the influence of strong winds, three neighborhoods have been evacuated and the highway has been closed to traffic. Extinguishing efforts continue from both the air and the ground.
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A forest fire that broke out yesterday near Ildır Neighborhood in the Çeşme district of İzmir was fought from the ground throughout the night. With the first light of day, aerial intervention resumed as aircraft were deployed to the scene.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, numerous ground crews, along with 2 planes and 6 helicopters, are continuing extinguishing efforts in the region.
EVACUATION ORDER IN THREE NEIGHBORHOODS
Due to the rapid spread of the fire, an evacuation order was issued for the Ildır and Germiyan neighborhoods in Çeşme, as well as the Nohutalan neighborhood in the Urla district. Some houses in the settlements threatened by the fire have been vacated.
While residents living in the evacuated areas were directed to safe zones, a large number of animals were also rescued from the rural area, which is filled with livestock farms.
STRONG WINDS COMPLICATE EFFORTS
According to meteorological data, strong winds are expected to persist in the region throughout the day. This situation is both increasing the rate at which the fire is spreading and making it difficult for firefighting crews to intervene.
It has been reported that some structures, as well as power and telephone lines, were damaged during the fire.
HIGHWAY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
The İzmir-Çeşme Highway, which was closed to traffic yesterday evening for security reasons due to the fire affecting a wide area, was reopened this morning. However, the highway remains closed to civilian vehicle passage.